The Top of the Mountain

Librarians at the Univeristy of Central Oklahoma raised funds to buy children's books, honoring the lives lost in Sandy Hook, 12/14.

Photo: Roberta Bezok photo

A smashed plastic cover is all that is left of Roberta Bezok's bird feeder, leaving her to believe a bear or bears are in the Gelding Hill/Bennett's Bridge area.

Photo:

Deborra Zukowski is this week's Good Egg.

Mother Nature had to stick her tongue out at us one last time this season, on Monday morning. A coating of sleet and giant snowflakes were not what I wanted to see, but I’m hoping that is the last of the wintry weather. The daffodils and crocuses poking up through the soil around town are giving me hope that spring truly is imminent.

A Newtown High School Odyssey of the Mind team is again preparing to offer its Bunny Watch, complete with hayrides, a bouncy house, fun activities for young kids, and more. Bunny Watch 2014 is set for 10 am to 4 pm, Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19. It is once again being held on the Fairfield Hills campus, behind Glander Field. Rides will cost $5 per rider and each participant will be given a tally sheet to “count” each bunny seen along the path. The event is a fundraiser to help the NHS Odyssey of the Mind team cover the cost of attending the national level of the competition, which will be in Iowa this year. So hop to it — don some bunny ears, and spot a few rabbits for a good cause.

Newtown High School graduate Kateleen Foy, the 2013 runner-up for the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission grant, will have her senior photography show, April 7 to 12, at Hofstra University’s Rosenberg Gallery, Hempstead, N.Y. The artists’ reception is April 7, at 6 pm, in case you are in the area and want to congratulate Kateleen.

At the University of Central Oklahoma, librarians there wanting to show support to the Sandy Hook community after 12/14, took the 26 Acts of Kindness highlighted last year by Katie Couric to heart, we hear in a recent note from UCO Staff Development Chair Luci Seem. “Individuals and departments found ways to brighten someone else’s day. Library fines were paid anonymously, patrons received free printing, cars in the staff parking lot were cleared of snow, and cash was placed randomly in books on the shelves,” Ms Seems writes. The library staff also raised money to purchase children’s books to honor those who lost their lives, and the family and friends who survived at SHS, she said. “That project was just completed and is displayed by our entrance,” Ms Seems says. Thank you, UCO librarians.

The Good Egg Award goes to Newtown Choral Society member Deborra Zukowski, for taking over the choral practice last week with just a few hours notice when director Mary Andreotta was called away, and leading a great rehearsal,. The entire membership appreciated her stepping in, having just a few rehearsals left before the April 27 concert date. Deb, you are a Good Egg!

If you are a regular reader of The Way We Were in The Newtown Bee, you’ll know that last week we sought input on where a flood photo from the 1950s was taken. Two residents have offered their suggestions that the flooded area is on Deep Brook Road. Thanks to Brian Leavitt and Bill Leibold for recognizing the area. So far, no one has recognized the little boy in the picture, though.

Roberta Bezok is wondering if anyone else in the Gelding Hill/Bennett’s Bridge area of town is experiencing ravaged bird feeders. A week ago, her bag of suet was shredded and devoured during the night. Then this weekend, when she popped out of bed and checked to see which of her feathered friends was enjoying breakfast at the feeder, the plastic shield protecting it was smashed to the ground — and the feeder was gone. Her theory that raccoons were the offenders began to look less likely, so Roberta took a walk around her fenced in property. “I found what I was looking for — a four-foot section of fencing was totally stomped down to the ground. It must have been a bear or bears,” Roberta tells me. She has three little dogs, as well as chickens, so she is concerned. If you live in the area, you might want to keep an eye on any house pets that are allowed access to the great outdoors.

That goes ditto if you live around the Adath Israel Synagogue on Huntingtown Road. Last Friday morning, an unusually large coyote was spotted there. With spring in the air, and kits and cubs abounding, the mamas and papas are out foraging. It’s something to keep in mind.

Bring a bag, a bucket, or a truck and get the best compost you can find for your spring gardening. The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard will be holding its Annual Compost Drive on Saturdays in April, starting at 10 am, at the Horse Guard facility, 4 Wildlife Drive. There is no fee, but donations are most appreciated.

Fine amnesty at C.H. Booth Library — the forgiveness on overdue books, videos, etc borrowed before January 4 that could not be returned while the library was closed recently — has expired. The offer expired on April 1, so anyone who still has any items that were due at the beginning of January will be held responsible for late fees that now accrue.

The Newtown Woman’s Club (GFWC), Inc will host an informal coffee/tea in the meeting room of Booth Library next week. The club invites all women in Newtown who think they might have an interest or just a curiosity about the organization and its activities to stop in on Friday, April 11, after 1 pm. The officers and chairpersons of the different committees will be present to explain their projects and answer questions. Anyone who wishes additional information or who is planning to attend is asked to contact Jan Happel at 203-426-0106.

Ben’s Bells Newtown has announced its next girls’ night out event, for Friday, April 18. The free monthly events are at the 17 Church Hill Road studio, and have reportedly been very popular. Light refreshments are served, but BYOB. There are raffles of “Be Kind” items, and plenty of fun. Volunteers are encouraging those who want to attend in April sign up sooner rather than later. Visit www.gnoapril18.eventbrite.com to register, or send an e-mail to newtown@bensbells.org for additional information. The eventbrite registration page will say “fee,” but attendees are asked for a $10 cash, check, or credit card donation at the door.

I don’t wait for a cats’ night out to go on the prowl. If you want to find out what I discover, you’ll have to… Read me again.